More Rumors: BMW X7, CS II, M1 and 2016 7 Series

Scott27, the usual BMW insider, is back with some more rumors. The focus of this latest rumormill is the long-time rumored X7, the revival of …

Scott27, the usual BMW insider, is back with some more rumors. The focus of this latest rumormill is the long-time rumored X7, the revival of the sadly canceled CS Concept, the first M supercar in a long time and the new generation 7 Series. If you’re a loyal reader of BMWBLOG then you would know that we always advise to take these rumors with a grain of salt and to remember that production plans change and models are often canceled.

Let’s have a look (minor grammar editing):

Although it does not seem much in real life terms it does matter to the auto industry and in all respect the Premium manufacturers who produce cars in the higher price stratosphere. 1 Million units is what luxury car sales are expected to grow to by 2015. Propelled by new and emerging markets and established tent pole markets.

With the attention on BMW i and BMW UKL/MINI being the main focus , this past few years. BMW are back to determining their next phase of penetration towards the high end luxury market. High end luxury cars they will be but every aspect of BMW EfficientDynamics technology will be a key feature.

BMW 7er / BMW 7er EWB

First up is an all new BMW 7er due in 2015 and unique and revolutionary in every way thanks to an intensive new mix of Aluminum and CFRP throughout key areas of the car such as platform, structure and body panels.
Once again the new 7er will reflect the previous generations by arriving in both standard and LWB Li models. With the usual petrol , diesel mix an all new V12 hybrid will be one of the cars most salient talking points.

With weight reduction being the priority thanks to the exotic mix of aluminum and CFRP utilizing BMW’s experience in volume CFRP production and the first BMW to inherit from the overall BMW i investment. Of course in the premium market the 7er has already been called out in regards to sustainability and not in the eco terms of sustainability, but sales sustainability. Which is why BMW are moving forward on further concepts to help sustain the 7er.

BMW X7
One such concept which has been attempted twice before but dropped at the very last minutes as BMW’s proposed ultimate SAV is the BMW X7.
Now recognising the future of the luxury vehicle is SUV’s. BMW management and Rolls-Royce are very reluctant to turn their Jewel – The Rolls-Royce brand into a patische by offering an SUV (which some douchebags have already done) , management have now moved forward on a more sporting direct competitor using the BMW badge.

However X7 is not just an enlarged X5.

BMW recognize that not every SUV should be a facsimile of a Range Rover or X6. Given the importance of the market for SAVs and for BMW especially in markets where sales are primarily driven by BMW X Vehicles. BMW do not want to offer the same concept in each size. So the task given was to revolutionize the SAV. BMW have decided and soon the public will get the opportunity.

Although still very much an SAV its market designation has determined its visual approach to something new. Taking a more sporting look of more a Touring shape on stilts, the longer , wider and bigger than an X5, X7 goes for a more dynamic and sporting appearance.

The glasshouse is smaller and goes for a MINI-esque floating roof effect at the front above A-Pillars, The roofline drops dramatically at the rear for a very dynamic effect. The look is overall inspired by the next generation of 7er as the bloodline is carried over with a high character line and prominent double “bow” line on the lower surfaces. The car is influenced by BMW’s previous attempt with the RFK which most of the key areas of that project became the 5er GT.
Sharing with as much as the 7er including engines , technology , drivetrains as well as the construction material of aluminum and CFRP.

The X7 would be BMW’s ultra luxury SAV challenger in the high end luxury market , the market where the most growth will be thanks to demand for high end Super-luxury SUV’s.

BMW CS II
The next choice will be to where BMW left off previously before the economic situation took hold. And that is with the BMW CS. Shown as a Concept at the Shanghai auto show in 2007. Had everything turned out okay economically the CS would be hitting the market around now. The Gran Coupe if you will is very much the CS that has arisen like a phoenix from the ashes. Which if you look at that turnaround from CS to Gran Coupe it is highly significant as the time frame was more or less the same.

Had the CS commenced then we would have had that car arrive around now in V8 and V10 form. Since a “Father” of M was in charge of the project it was only right that a completely reworked highly successful V10 be the powerplant of choice.
Now that the luxury market is growing , BMW are working on the second attempt (or is that third ). Again a four door Coupe positioned above the 7er is the strategy again , based on the new architecture and involving the alu-CFRP mix of material technology , design is not finalized but expect a more sporting look like before but inherited from the next 7er.

BMW M1

BMW M would like to do such a car but now is not the time. For such a car to be achievable BMW needs the resources from BMW i and that will not happen for a couple of years until BMW can maintain full volume of CFRP production. The first car to achieve the transition from BMW i will be the next generation BMW 7er in 2015.

It will be by then that BMW can start to look at what such a car can evolve into.

As of now BMW’s sports cars strategy lie with the upcoming BMW i8 and BMW i8 Spyder models. These are the priority before any other project moves forward. What is known is that the projects priority is weight reduction, extensive material technology costs a lot of money which is why some cars only use what they can. BMW’s CFRP investment will overcome this obstacle and will use extensive CFRP construction and possibly use a variant of the S63Tu or if BMW feels more inclined to downsize, A V10 could be possible as a future V12 replacement? The recent partnership with Toyota will not result in such a car as BMW M will prefer going alone. Although BMW and Toyota are expected to collaborate on a future sustainable sports car.

Rolls-Royce “GHOST” Coupe , DropHead Coupe,

Of course one brand that has been successful even in economic decline is Rolls-Royce with two models the Ghost and the Phantom, A Rolls-Royce is what you treat youself to for a job well done. The Ghost has now followed the Phantom and added an Extended Wheelbase model. But now the Ghost progresses again like the Phantom with two highly awaited Ghost models – The Coupe and The DropHead Coupe which are now testing outside in the public around Munich.

The Ghost is already a beautiful car , The new Coupe and DropHead models extend that beauty a new sleeker roofline merges into a sleeker rear overhang which still encases a full size trunk.

The disguise kind of makes the car like the 1999 IAA Concept the BMW Z9 Gran Turismo, but underneath lies one of the most beautiful and significant cars for the luxury market. Proportions are more shrunk and there is styling differences from the Ghost on the Coupe and DropHead Coupe models especially at the front and rear of the car.

The Ghost Coupe is expected to be on sale by early 2014 and first with an advantage , an EX Concept car is scheduled for Geneva 2013. The sleeker looks of the Coupe are to show Rolls-Royce intentions and what kind of customer they are aiming for. With the car getting a more sporting drive from the already dynamically sound Ghost to give Bentley and the GT a scare. As well as a Ghost, Ghost EWB ,Coupe and DropHead Coupe.

There is also potential for a more luxurious four door Coupe model , a sort of extended Ghost Coupe with four doors for those that would like the Coupe but have children or business needs. Some Rolls-Royce customers have one RR and even some have an example of every model that RR makes in their garage. Like the Ghost it is hoped that the customer has a Ghost or indeed is new to the brand and of course both these models will be fully available with bespoke personalization.

Recent trademarks by BMW of “Corniche” and “Carmague” have been logged but the full names will not be known until the debut in September 2013 at the IAA in Frankfurt.